A Critical Review of the Concept of Velayat in Qur’an with a Detailed Examination of Interpretations

ABSTRACT: The term "Vali" and its derivations are used in multiple meanings in the holy Quran, but in all meanings the concepts of "proximity" and "affinity" are implied. This term is used in the holy Quran as both noun and verb. A concentration on the uses of this term in relation to Godʹs "velayat" in the holy Quran with regard to Godʹs relation with his servants shows that this relation is so intermingled that there is no distance between God and his servants and in the case the servant put himself in Godʹs dominance, all his actions will form in accordance with Godʹs will and consent. Godʹs "velayat" is apt to transmission and transfiguration and is passed to the prophet and Infallible Imams from God, and in the occultation era it is passed to the "vali faqih". "Velayat" and its admittance has effects and essentials by which people and society are affected. Accepting Godʹs "velayat" brings the human being to a self knowledge and self analysis and essentially the purpose of creation is acceptance of Godʹs "velayat", and following Satanʹs "velayat" takes human being to self oblivion that is equal to oblivion of God and this way human being is crashed into the valley of "bahymyat".